An analysis and data collection on Pritzker Prize-winning Architect BV Doshi's Office- SANGATH. A desktop study for reference while designing an Architect's Office.

2. introduction
Architect: BV Doshi
Location: Thaltej Road,
Ahmedabad
Year of Completion: 1981
Site Area: 2346 sq. m
Built-up Area: 585 sq. m
Project Cost: 0.6 million
“As a place to be inhabited, as a place to facilitate human
interaction...”
Balkrishna Doshi's own studio, Sangath, features a series of sunken vaults sheathed in
china mosaic as well as a small grassy terraced amphitheater and flowing water details.
Having been considered the building that fully describes himself, Sangath is a complete
combination of Doshi's architectural themes from his previous work including complex
interiors and structures, ambiguous edges, vaults and terraces

3. Sangath also expresses Balkrishna Doshi's desire
for a connection between nature and the
individual. The overall form exaggerates the
details of nature with its rolling mounds, cave-
like spaces, terraced land, playful water channels,
and reflective surfaces. Storm water in funneled
through the site by the slick, round vaults and
water troughs
Along with natural connections, Sangath
holds connections to India's culture. The
layout resembles the way that a temple
develops a series of stages into a final
platform while the form loosely imitates
the boldness of a stupa.
Upon entering the complex, one
immediately sees the silhouette of a vault
lingering behind an exterior wall and a slight
view of the interior is present through a small
break in the surface.

4. The main entry lowers the visitor a few
steps into the a vault and proposes the
choice of ascending a flight of stairs in a
three story height, or proceeding through
small corridor by Doshi's office and into
the main drafting hall. Here the ceiling
plane rises as the inhabitant experiences
how Doshi interlocks multi height spaces
and creates compression and release
between them.
The path turns and forces the occupant off
of the north-south axis and alongside the
elevated garden walls. Now visible in
perspective, the vaults begin to recede into
the background above the grassy
amphitheater, water channels and
gardens in the foreground. As one passes
by the reflecting ponds that capture the
vaults in still water the entrance is made
apparent. It lies at the end of an angled
approach to the vaults.

5. The sunken interior spaces are insulated by
clay within the structure. Heat from the sun
is reduced by grassy mounds and the white
reflective china mosaic that covers each
vault. Natural light is also filtered into the
interior spaces during the day, while the
moon is reflected in the ponds and across
the china mosaics at night.
Other references to modern styles are
also apparent with the Le Corbusier ear
shaped pool; amphitheater steps
resembling those by Aalto and Wright;
Gaudi's broken china mosaic; and a
water feature similar to that of Kahn's
Salk Institute
The underside of the vault in the main
drafting room is finished with a textured
concrete that dispersed natural light into
the space. At the end of the hall lies the
opening seen from the site entrance and
one regains their sense of place along the
main axis.

6. spaces
Sangath buildings complex, a set of domes and flat roofs at different heights at
different angles juxtaposed occupy an area of ​​473 sq. m within 2.425 sq. m fully walled
rectangular field. The building complex is built around a large courtyard terrace
which is the main entrance. Some of the buildings have sunk below ground level to
certain ceilings domes rise only to eye level.
Patio
In the entrance courtyard fountain surrounded by
dividing pools are located at ground level and
landscaped terraces. Some of the outer surfaces
of the yard including arched ceilings are coated
with irregular pieces of white tiles.
Amphitheater
One result of the reintroduction of traditional values
​​is the outdoor amphitheater used for conferences
and other meetings.

7. Studios
The design studios are in a double height space
topped by two domes. Including a space with flat
roof allows natural light until the end of the
vaulted areas. Perpendicular to this wing a block
of four units is added, also vaulted. The two units
are facing the entrance courtyard feature a triple
height and house on the ground floor
architectural design office, a conference room,
lounge and a service area. In the first and second
floor spaces of Vastu- Shilpa Foundation and the
guest area are located.
Main entrance
Passing through the main entrance, the visitor
down some stairs into a room covered by a dome
and the option to climb a flight of stairs to a
height of three levels or go through a small
hallway to the office and main drafting room.

8. Structure and materials
Vaults of Sangath are constructed with hollow clay tiles
embedded in the walls. The outer surface is covered with
tiles, broken pieces of waste material. This technique not only
to reduces the heat inside the building but also plays an
important role in the re-use of waste material, thereby
making it sustainable and cost effective.
Air cooling is done by traditional cooling methods, the cold
water through which air is sucked and returned to the
interior spaces. The cascading water tanks and pond play a
vital role as this reduces the need for artificial cooling
methods and saves energy and money.
The hollow interior spaces are made out of clay within the
structure. It keeps the interior cooler as it takes a long time to
transfer the sun’s heat inside. The sun’s heat is reduced due
to the vegetation and the reflective white mosaic tile that
cover each vault. There is an ample amount of natural light
that filters into the interior spaces during the day, reducing
the need for artificial lighting.

9. SITE PLAN & MODEL

10. GROUND FLOOR
PLAN
FIRST FLOOR PLAN

11. SECTIONS

12. THANK YOU!